Help with a train fine?

ancasta_2

I dont really know where this should go, im just hoping someone might be able to advise me....

6yr ago, i skipped the metro a couple of times, stupid i know, but hey, i was a daft 17yr old. Anyways, i was caught, fined and paid it through the court (i didnt have to attend)

Saturday morning, a letter arrives for me at my parents house and its for a fine dated 2001 that demands payment within 14 days. I do not have any record of when the court case was (was only £40 like) and i certainly learned my lesson after that and didnt do it again.... i assumed that the court fine was for all the unpaid fares.

Where do i stand... do i pay up, 6yrs later (i cant even remember if i had used the metro that day, it was so long ago) or query it/kick up a fuss?

Can they still chase me 6yr later???

philhuff

Yes, thay can still chase you after six years. I may be wrong, but I believe that six years since the last attempt to recover the money is the limit, so it could, in theory, be longer than six years.

It depends how much hassle you want. The likelihood is that you do owe the money so, for the sake of £40, I'd be tempted to just pay it and get it over with.

However, it's probably worth calling whoever it is (I assume it's a collection agency on behalf of the court?) and explain the fact there's been 6 years, and ask to see some of the original documentation to be sure it's due. They'll be able to provide that, and that will either show there's been an error or show that yes, you do have to pay.

ancasta_2

Its from the train operator itself, im just surprised this fine, if valid, wasnt included in the set of 4 unpaid fines (4x10) that was fined in court.

Gah, its been so long ago. Ill ask for proof and then go from there... they might get a shock i ask for proof them not pursue it!

Thanks fo your reply.

philhuff

If it's the train operator themselves, then I'm surprised. Definitely ask for proof before even thinking of paying it, as I'd be shocked if they can provide such proof.

ancasta_2

Just rang them and it was an error on their part, it had some how been put back in to the collection cycle despite being covered by the court fine. Lady said i was not liable for the £10 fine, and to totally disregard it.

I made sure i took a reference, name & number off her though, just to make sure it doesnt come back and bite me on the behind!!!


Thanks alot for your help!!